Grandparents Guide to Baby Gear

We spent 6 months searching for the best gear for grandparents based on value, weight (lightweight!) and ease of use. We wrote this guide to get new grandparents up to speed on everything you need to know.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Best Stroller For Grandparents.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of gearing up for a new grandchild, don’t worry — you’re in the right place. We’ve got the ultimate guide to baby gear for grandparents.

This particular article is for newborns and infants— they have unique needs because they can’t sit up yet. Our next section is for older infants and toddlers. You can read them all at once or take it as it comes (I prefer the latter). See also: Babyproofing for Grandparents

In this article, we’re focusing on the five major things you’ll want/need to host your grandchild at your house ~

Grandparent Gear Basics

If you’re taking a bigger role in child care — especially if you live close by — you may also want a few items of clothing and your own car seat and/or stroller.

So take a deep breath — let’s begin 🙂

Sleeping Gear for Grandbabies

There are several options for newborn sleeping spots for your “grand.” There are cribs, bassinets, co-sleepers and play yards.

For grandparents, we recommend a “play yard,” hands-down. They meet all of our criteria: they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to set up and fold back down.

Play yards are safe, economical places for babies to play, nap, and sleep during their visits. You may have called them play pens when your kids were little; nowadays they’re generically referred to as “Pack ‘N Plays,” though technically that’s a brand-specific term belonging to Graco.

Play yards are perfect for grandparents who live near or far because they’re easy to move around and fold up compactly for storage.

A folded Pack n Play

Some play yards also include a diaper changing station, which is a nice bonus (and one less thing you have to buy!).

Here are our favorite play yards for grandparents:

Graco Pack N Play Simple Solutions ~ $79 – Economy Pick

This particular Pack ‘N Play is a great value. It includes an “upper deck” bassinet for baby to sleep in (this will save your back from the pain of constantly having to bend over to the “lower level” to pick up your grandbaby), and—bonus!—you can change diapers here too with the integrated diaper changer. Stash diapers and wipes in the integrated mesh storage pockets and you are winning at this grandparent thing. 😉

Pack ‘N Play play yards fold up compactly and come with a zippered storage bag so you can store it out of the way when the grandkids go home.

Warning: not very intuitive

We generally like Graco Pack ‘N Plays because they are affordable and fairly good quality — the one big downside is that the assembly isn’t very intuitive.

Meaning… if you don’t put it together in the right order (rails up FIRST, then push the hub down!), it is an exercise in total frustration. You must also take it apart in the exact reverse order. In other words, there is a lot of room for error — which leads us to our next recommendation….

The 4moms Breeze play yard is my absolute favorite pick for grandparents — for those who can afford it (it’s a bit pricey!).

Though a little more costly than the Pack ‘N Play, this play yard is STUPID easy to set up and take down. You literally just push down on the central hub to open it and pull it up to close it—all of which takes about 10 seconds (seriously, the PNP setup looks like brain surgery compared to this). You don’t have to worry about order of operations.

Check out this video:

They make 2 different versions of the Breeze (used to be 3): the “Go” and the “Plus.”

The big difference: the “Plus” ($299) has an upper decker bassinet and a care station for changing diapers, the “Go” ($239) does not! If you hate bending over to pick up heavy things… the “Plus” is well worth the extra dollars, especially if you think you’ll have more grandchildren to come.

Note: sheets for this playard are a bit on the pricey side ($40).

4moms Breeze Plus play yard with bassinet

Bouncers & Swings

If you’re a local grandparent who will have your grandchild frequently, you’ll probably want a place to occasionally put your little bundle of joy down (because hey – you’ve still got to do things like make lunch, go to the bathroom, or give your arms a break). A bouncer is a cozy little baby seat that sits on the floor (fun fact: it doesn’t actually bounce…weird, I know).

What Happened to Loungers?

A class of baby products called loungers and semi-reclined sleepers, such as the Fisher Price Rock N Play, have been phased out altogether due to higher than desired incidences of SIDS and other fatal accidents. Therefore, you won’t find any of them on the market after 2021.

Thus, the ones recommended below are explicitly recommended for “playing” (not sleeping). Here are our favorite baby bouncers and swings for grandparents:

Bouncers for Grandparents

This delightful seat is both a rocker and a bouncer and can be used for up to 6 months. This tool-free baby bouncer frame is designed to be portable, easily folding flat in a carry bag for storage and travel. The subtle design goes with any decor and the adjustable and remover toy bar with two soft toys does the job when you need it.

There is also a sound and vibration unit for your baby while they play. Along with this, this bouncer has a breathable mesh cover that can be removed for machine washing. *Remember… this is not for sleeping.

For the design-conscious grandparent, you’ll love the Bloom Coco “Go” Organic Lounger. It’s perfect for grandparents because it folds up super slim so you can tuck it away when not in use. You can also carry it easily from room to room. See also: Best Bouncers and Swings

Though you certainly don’t need a swing, it can definitely be an indispensable tool; swings can help calm fussy babies (ahhh, silence!).

Swings

This lightweight swing/bouncer seat folds in half easily for storage and for moving from room to room. It has a deep, machine-washable seat (because blow-outs and spit-ups happen!), 6 speeds and 6 songs/sounds. Takes ‘C’ batteries.

If you’d like to read about other options out there, check out our full list of bouncers and swings here.

Diapering

When your grandchild comes to your house, you’ll want a good spot for changing diapers. You can always do it on a bed, but that solution requires a lot of bending over—not to mention newborn diapers can get quite messy, as you may recall.

You really don’t need to buy a stand-alone “changing table.”

The easiest solution is a changing pad that fits on top of a dresser or table (see photo below). The inexpensive Summer Infant Contoured Pad (~ $19) is well-liked; you’ll also need to get a changing pad cover ($10-$15) to protect the pad from all the poop and pee!

Another well-liked option is the Poopoose changing pad ($49, below) and Poopoose changing pad cover ($19). The Poopoose has a much better security belt, so it’s good if you’re concerned about your wild monkey rolling off the changing table while your back is turned (it happens!).

One more option — If you prefer a non-cloth changing pad you can very easily wipe down (and that doesn’t require a cover), we highly recommend the awesome (though somewhat pricey) Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer ($149). Some think these are a little more….hygienic.

Diaper Pails

For disposable diapers, you’ll need some sort of diaper pail for your house (unless you really want to walk each dirty diaper to the outside trash can each time).

If your grandchild is in cloth diapers, you’ll need a container that’s appropriate for soiled cloth diapers. We recommend you use a hanging “wetbag,” such as this Planet Wise Hanging Wet/Dry Diaper Bag.

For disposables, here are our top three diaper pail picks for grandparents:

Diaper Dekor makes a mini version of their popular full size diaper pail, which is perfect for grandparents. This one opens with a foot pedal, so there’s no bending over or squishing the diaper through a tiny slot. Downside: it requires special refill bags.

The Munchkin Step Diaper Pail is the best diaper pail in the “odor control” department. Downside: it requires special bags and a baking soda dispenser that you’ll need to buy refills for (at some point) to control odor.

This diaper pail is made of steel (which blocks odors) and doesn’t require special bags (yay!). It’s the top seller for diaper pails on Amazon, and is pretty much as good as you can get, if you don’t mind spending the extra moola.

For more on diapering, including our favorite kinds of diapers, go here.

Feeding your Grandbaby

If you’ll be feeding your little bundle – either formula or pumped breastmilk – you may be interested in keeping some feeding supplies at your house to make those visits smoother for everyone.

For supplies for feeding solid foods, head over to our Grandparents Guide to Toddler Stuff: 6+ Months

Mèmè aka Lucie Sr.

Bottles

It may be worthwhile to keep a set of bottles (whichever ones your grandkid is using at home). Babies can be very particular about bottles, so be sure to ask mom or dad which kind the baby takes.

Note: if your grandchild is breastfed (most are these days — and that’s a good thing!), it may be difficult to share in the feeding experience – at least at first. That said, most nursing moms (especially those returning to work) will eventually pump to create a stash of extra milk, which is stored in bags or bottles.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, so I know your daughter/DIL will appreciate any moral support you can offer during this time 😇. There is a lot of pressure in this day and age to breastfeed due to the new(ish) research published over the past 20 years that point to better health outcomes for breastfed babies, lower incidences of SIDS and a multitude of other benefits to both baby and mom.

Something else that might be different from when yours were little: babies are only to consume breastmilk or formula for the first 6 months; that’s right – no water and definitely no juice. Also: while babies in the last generation were started on solids as early as 6 weeks, babies nowadays will usually wait the full 6 months before starting solids. I will tell you right now that breastfeeding (and feeding in general!) is an area where there is often great dissent among the generations, so buckle up! 😆.

Okay, back to logistics… Babies generally like drinking warm milk or formula, rather than cold. If you’re going to be bottle feeding your grandbaby at your house, you can simply warm the bottle up the old-fashioned way by placing it in a container of hot water from your microwave or stove. If you prefer to use a bottle warmer, the best rated are the Philip’s Avent Bottle Warmer or the Baby Brezza bottle warmer.

Note: You should never microwave milk or formula directly to heat it, as microwaves cause dangerous “hot spots” which can burn a baby’s mouth. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to test the temperature of the milk on your wrist or arm before feeding your grandbaby to ensure it isn’t too hot.

Note #2: It’s not necessary to sterilize baby bottles before each use if your grandchild is healthy. In fact, the oversterilization of… pretty much everything might be one for the reasons for a recent increase in autoimmunity and autisum. It’s important for the immune system to be properly stimulated in infancy in toddlerhood, lest it go haywire and begin attacking itself.

If you’re washing bottles in your house, you’ll also want to have a simple bottle brush on hand.

A bottle drying rack can be handy as well, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher. We like the Grass Drying “Rack” ($14, below).

You’ll also want some burp cloths (take your pick!) and possibly some spit up bibs or cute bandana bibs for your more drooly grandbabies. Traditional cloth diapers work really well for this, too (multipurpose!).

Getting Comfy While Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding can make your arms pretty sore, especially if your grandchild is a slow eater. It’s best to do this while sitting in a chair with arm rests so you don’t have to hold their weight the entire time. You can also use pillows to prop up your arms.

For something you can take and use anywhere, we recommend…

This arm pillow slips right onto your arm and supports baby’s head and neck while she bottle feeds, making it comfortable for you to prop her up (this positioning also aids in digestion, by the way). It’s machine washable and compact enough to fit in a bag, or tuck away in a drawer when your grandkid isn’t around.

Bathing

Babies under 6 months definitely need some sort of support while bathing, as they cannot yet sit up.

In a pinch, you can do it in a sink as long as you have two people (one holding baby up and the other doing the washing), but it’s not a long-term solution.

For grandparent’s house, we recommend…

Baby Bathtubs for Grandparents

This highly-rated seat is made from soft, mildew-resistant mesh that is very easy to clean. It goes inside the bathtub (requiring you to bend over…) or a large kitchen sink. You can hang it up to store it, unlike many larger infant tubs that will take up a lot of your floor space.

If you’re going to use this one in your tub, do yourself a favor and consider getting a bath kneeler to save those knees!

Although this tub takes up a bit more space in your bathroom than some others, it has some great features grandparents will appreciate. Its height makes it easier to reach baby without needing to bend over the sink or tub.

You can also opt to place the newborn holder directly in your sink if you’d like (another back-saver).

The sturdy platform later converts into a tub-kneeler (aka knee-saver) or a step stool for when your grandkid is older (see below) and needs to reach the sink/potty. The main part of this tub will work for older babies and toddlers up to age 2, so this one packs a lot of versatility into one little tub. Yes, we love multi-taskers!

This highly-rated, adorable flower tub is super comfy for newborns, and it prevents them from slipping around. It works best in divided sinks, but can also work lying flat. Best of all, you don’t need to lean over the tub to wash your grandbaby.

Clothing and Sleepwear

If you’re a frequent caregiver, it can’t hurt to keep a couple of spare outfits around for those inevitable blowouts. And spit-ups. And drooling. And eating. And playing.

I can’t even count the number of times my kids have needed a change of clothes when we’re visiting grandma and grandpa — and then another an hour later. I learned the hard way to store some extra outfits at my mom and dad’s place for those inevitable occasions.

You’ll want a couple (2-3 max) of each of the following:

Onesies + Pants + Socks

You can buy onesies (baby shirts that snap at the crotch) in packs on Amazon and at Target. We also love the ones from Baby Gap because they have stretchy necks that make them easier to get on/off.

Another style we love for grandparents (though pricier) is from Magnetic Me, which makes SUPER easy-to-use baby clothing that fastens with magnets instead of snaps (so clever!). This makes putting clothing on a wiggly baby muuuuch easier, especially if you find it challenging to line up those tiny snaps while baby is squirming away (I know I do!).

Our favorite brands for baby clothes include: Old Navy, Target’s Cat & Jack Brand, Baby Gap, and Carters (among others — see our full list here).

The Footed Onesie

Simplify, simplify, simplify! The footed onesie is the ruler of all baby outfits. It’s great because you can forget all about shirts, pants, socks and shoes— this one piece of clothing does it all!

This is totally the way to go, at least for the first few months of visits with your new grandbaby.

Swaddlers and “wearable blankets” (or “sleep sacks”)

Since loose blankets are considered unsafe for infants (and get kicked off by most toddlers), there’s a handy solution out there to keep babies warm as they sleep: swaddlers (for 0-4 months) and wearable blankets (for 4 months+).

If your grandchild will be napping at your house (and hopefully they will so you can catch a break!), you may want to keep a sleep sack at home in case mom and dad ever forget to pack one (which will happen…speaking from experience).

*Note: swaddle blankets are only to be used from 0-4 months, and you should stop using swaddles once baby can roll over.

Here are links to our favorite swaddlers and sleep sacks. For more on newborn clothing, you can read our full article here.

Don’t quit now, we’re almost done!!

Car Seats and Strollers for Grandparents

Much has changed since your babies were little, depending on your age.

Car seats have become a bit more complicated, it seems, even since I had babies.

Big picture: children typically ride in some type of car seat until the age of 9 or so. There are three or four types of car seats: infant seat, a convertible seat, a combination seat (also called “harness to booster”) and a booster. Each is suited to a particular age/size range. There are also “all-in one” seats that attempt to cover all of these phases (some do it well, and some do not).

Rear Facing

Children who sit in a rear-facing car seat are much safer than those who face forward — and “extended rear-facing” is a big deal now. Google that, your adult-child will be so proud of your knowlege 😉.

It used to be that all children’s car seats were turned around to face forward at the age of 12 months, but now they’re supposed to remain rear-facing until at least age 2…and some parents will keep their kiddos rear-facing until age 3 or 4.

As you might remember, most infants will ride in an infant seat (or “infant bucket”) until the end of the first year (0-12 months). Infant seats click in and out of a “base” that can stay permanently in the car.

In a pinch, you can also buckle the seat in without a base (with a little know-how).

If you’ll have the child in your care frequently, it may behoove you to own your own seat. Conversely, if your time with them will be more infrequent, you can just use the baby’s normal seat (they are very portable)  — OR you may just want to purchase an additional “base” of the same brand chosen by your daughter/son/in-law.

Car Seat Drama

I will warn you right now…car seat installation is the bane of existence for parents and grandparents alike. It’s tedious and takes a lot of attention to detail. It’s frustrating and can be physically difficult.

Not to generalize, but grandparents tend to have a little more trouble in this department because they’re a little more unfamiliar with today’s car seats (speaking from personal experience). Those of you who had kids in your teens or early 20s, and your kids are having kids young… you’re probably more familiar with car seats than those who are having kids (and grandkids) later in life.

This is not to pick on any one group of people, but the truth is car seats can be a bone of contention between the generations. Grandparents may feel that parents are being overly cautious about their proper use and installation, while parents may feel like their parents aren’t being respectful of their child’s safety. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. 

I see it ALL THE TIME.

But it’s okay, I’m going to help you. Read more about how to install a car seat.

There are really only two infant seats that I’ve singled out for grandparents (based on ease of use and weight); outside of these, you’re just fine picking from our regular list of recommend infant seats. There’s also a fabulous “all-in-one” seat you should consider as well.

You can also buy a car seat and stroller together (see below) – this is called a “travel system.” If you need them both, the benefit to buying the package deal is that you know for sure they will fit together properly. When you buy two different brands of car seat and stroller, many times, there are compatibility issues (American vs. European, etc.).

By the way, people with arthritis in the hands can have a particularly hard time unbuckling car seats (the button takes an awful lot of force to press so children can’t undo it themselves). If you need help in this department, check out a product called UnBuckle Me.

Infant Car Seats for Grandparents

Graco Snug Ride – Economy Pick

The Graco SnugRide is America’s best-selling car seat for umpteen years running. It’s a tried and true favorite. They make a jillion different versions of it, but there are two that are especially good for grandparents….

For those on a budget, we recommend…

This is a highly-rated lightweight infant seat with few frills, but does the trick for most.

Long story short, there’s a new(ish) device called “SnugLock” that makes this car seat SO easy to install. Nobody will tell you it’s not tight enough – Yay!!

I prefer the “Elite” version of this seat, which gives you the ability to adjust the height of the harness straps (something you’ll have to do every few months as the baby grows) without having to perform surgery by re-threading the harness straps (another frustrating task).

Nuna Pipa Lite RX – $399 ~ Luxe Pick

I picked this seat because it is insanely lightweight (5.3 lbs! Most infants seats are 10-12 lbs). This is a high-end, beautiful luxury infant car seat that’s also extremely easy to install and has safety features galore.

For grandparents who want it all and have a little more to spend, you will love this seat.

All-in-One Seats

Another solid option for grandparents is to purchase an “all-in-one” seat that spans all of the ages above, which makes it a very good value. The newer all-in-one seats are wonderful (though not lightweight!), and I have a (new) favorite for grandparents (teehee).

The Evenflo Resolve360 is a truly unique car seat. This is absolutely our favorite seat for grandparents, not only because it spans every age group, but because the seat ROTATES to face to the side for easy in and out. This might not sound like a big deal on paper, but it makes life SO much easier, especially when you have to lift a baby or toddler into the seat. Buckling them into the seat is infinitely easier when they are facing you – and you can actually SEE what you’re doing.

If I were to recommend an all-in-one seat for a grandparent, this would definitely be it.

*Note that all-in-one seats don’t always work well for newborns, especially preemies. There’s a chance you’d have to wait a month or two before being able to start using it if your grandchild is underweight or premature.

Best Strollers for Grandparents

When looking at strollers for grandparents, there are two big considerations: weight and ease of use. You see, strollers can be SUPER heavy and unwieldy (especially for those who are petite) – and especially if you plan on putting it in your trunk a lot.

For the 0-6 month crowd, the baby is usually in a car seat or bassinet in the stroller – unless you have a stroller that reclines all the way flat, which is a bit hard to come by. Thus, you may want to wait a little while before investing in a stroller. We talk more about strollers for the 6+ month up crowd here.

Here is the big stroller tradeoff: the heavier duty all-terrain strollers have air-filled tires and ride like a dream. You can easily push them over any kind of terrain: bricks, grass, uneven sidewalks. But the stroller itself will be much heavier than a “regular” all-purpose stroller.

Strollers with regular wheels are lighter but may be a little harder to push and steer, depending on your terrain. The lightest strollers of all are umbrella strollers – these are very lightweight and easy to store away when not in use. You may also want to look at travel strollers, which are uber-lightweight and compact.

Again, you can always wait on a stroller purchase so you have a better idea of what your needs are.

Ok folks, that’s it for our infant primer for grandparents. Thanks for sticking with us!

For general gear, check out our gear guides page. We also have gear guides for twins.

Grandparents, we appreciate you! Good luck, thanks for reading and congratulations!!

About the Author

Meg Collins

Editor in Chief

Meg Beilsmith Collins started Lucie’s List in 2010 after learning everything about babies the hard way; she is now the Editor in Chief. She’s an Industrial Engineer from Georgia Tech and a former car seat technician (CPST) who lives near Clearwater, FL with her husband Rich and daughters Lucie and Alice. She enjoys 90s music, MomFit, camping and anything on the water.

Comments

Grandchildren bring an incredible amount of joy to your life. They also bring an incredible amount of stuff, and trying to wade through the wide world of baby gear to figure out what you need in your home may feel a bit daunting.

We’re here to help.

Whether your grandbaby is visiting for the day or will be making more frequent appearances, this grandparent-friendly baby gear guide walks you through what you need to keep them safe, comfortable and happy.

And before you hit “add to cart” over and over again, don’t worry—you most definitely do not need all of the things on this list. Stick to the essentials first:

• A safe place to sleep.
• Diapers and wipes.
• A few basic first aid and childproofing supplies.
• A few toys and books.

Once you have those items sorted out, you can add on depending on how often you’re planning on hosting your grandchild.

The Comforts of Home

A Safe Place to Sleep and Play

Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Reversible Seat & Changer LX - Basin

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What Our Experts Say

Whether your grandchild is spending the night or just visiting for the day, a safe place for the baby to sleep and play should be at the top of your gear list. This playard from Graco is a well-priced multitasker. It includes a wipeable changing area that doubles as a newborn seat, a detachable bassinet and a lower-level play and sleep space. You’ll be able to use it for years and it takes the place of three separate pieces of baby gear. There are wheels on one side so you can move it from room to room and integrated storage to hold diapers, wipes and other essentials.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Graco Pack ‘n Plays are some of the most popular playards on the market. They’re well made, affordble and packed with useful features. But they’re also heavy (think 25+ pounds) and can be tricky to open and close.

If you think any of that might be an issue for you, instead consider a lightweight playard with an easy setup and breakdown, like The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Playard. You’ll pay more, but you’ll gain mobility (the Guava weighs only 13 pounds) and save yourself the hassle every time you need to set it up.

Additional Information

Age range Changing table and bassinet: under 15 lbs; Seat: under 3 mos and unable to roll over; Playard: under 35” tall, unable to climb out

A More Permanent Sleep Space

DaVinci Dylan 3-in-1 Mini Crib and Twin Bed - White

$159.00

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Babylist

$159.00

Target

$159.99

What Our Experts Say

If you know your grandchild will be staying over more regularly, it may be worth investing in a more permanent sleep space like a mini crib. This one has a compact footprint, rolling wheels for easing transport (they lock, not to worry!) and folds nearly flat so you can tuck it away when it’s not in use. It also converts into a twin bed so you’ll be able to use it long past the baby days. Just be sure to also buy the conversion kit, ideally at the same time you purchase the crib in case it ever gets discontinued. You may also want to buy a separate DaVinci Mini Crib Mattress as the one included with the Dylan is quite thin.

What Grandparents Need to Know

If you’re not familiar with a mini crib, think of it as similar to a full-size crib—just smaller. (The interior of a full-size crib must measure 28 inches wide and 52 inches long, while a mini crib generally measures anywhere from 20-25 inches wide and 34-40 inches long.) A mini crib can be a good solution for a grandparent’s home since they’re more compact and portable than full-size cribs and can be stored more easily. And if you’re concerned about longevity, don’t be; most mini cribs last until a child is about two to three years old. (Or until they start climbing the rails!)

Additional Information

Age range Stop using when the child begins to climb out or reaches 35”

For When Your Arms Get Tired

Summer 2-in-1 Bouncer & Rocker Duo - Teal/Gray

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What Our Experts Say

We get it—the thought of putting down your grandbaby for even a few seconds may make your grandparent heart skip a beat. But just in case you need a little break, keeping a bouncer at your house is something to consider. This combo design switches between bouncer and rocker mode, a nice-to-have feature that gives you options depending on what your grandchild prefers. There’s also a removable toy bar and a flat fold so you can stash the bouncer away when it’s not in use.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Items like bouncers, rockers and baby swings are safe spots to keep baby while you’re getting other things done and can even help soothe some babies when they’re very young. But which one’s best? And do you need all three? (Don’t worry, you don’t.) Read up on how to choose a bouncer, swing or rocker, the pros and cons of each and how to decide which one is best for you.

Additional Information

Age range Maximum child weight: 20 lbs

An Extra Outfit

Carter's 2-Way Zip Cotton Sleep & Plays (2 Pack) - White/Neutral Stripes, Nb

$19.99

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$19.99

What Our Experts Say

Having a few backup outfits at your house in the event of a spit-up, blowout or other messy event that babies tend to specialize in is never a bad idea. These footies are soft, warm, easy to get on and off and can be worn both for sleep and play. They’re also affordable and work for newborns just as easily as they do for older babies. Consider purchasing a few across a range of sizes so you’ll always have a standby on hand.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Best Stroller For Tall Kids. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Meet the two-way zipper, hands-down one of the best innovations to hit baby clothes over the last few years. Two-way zippers do exactly what their name implies: zip two ways, from the top or bottom. That means you don’t have to completely undress baby every time they need a diaper change, a win for you and your grandchild.

Additional Information

Age range Available in size newborn through 24 mos

Diapering

Multipurpose Wipes

WaterWipes Water Based Wipes

$38.32

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Amazon

$38.32

What Our Experts Say

There isn’t much to these wipes, and that’s exactly the point. WaterWipes are made from 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract. They’re fragrance-free and do a great job of cleaning sensitive little bottoms as well as faces, hands and whatever else needs a quick wipe-down. Just be aware that because these wipes are made from minimal ingredients and 100% viscose (a plant-based material), they’re best used within about four weeks of when you first open the package.

What Grandparents Need to Know

When it comes to baby wipes, there are lots of different brands and options. We recommend keeping things as simple—and as pure—as possible, which is why we recommend WaterWipes. They’re ideal for sensitive skin and work just as well on newborn bottoms as they do on sticky toddler hands. You can also order them in bulk, so you’ll always have a package ready to go.

Additional Information

Age range All ages

A Mess Saver

Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners - 3

$11.99

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Babylist

$11.99

Amazon

$11.68

Walmart

$11.68

Target

$11.69

What Our Experts Say

You’re going to wish these were around during your days as a parent to (messy) little people. These thin liners are washable and waterproof, so they’ll save whatever surface you’re changing your grandchild’s diaper on from a poop explosion or any other mess. That means less cleanup and less laundry. When they do get dirty, just pop them right into the washing machine. You can also dry them, but they’ll last longer if you hang to dry instead.

What Grandparents Need to Know

You don’t need a dedicated changing table to change your grandchild’s diaper when they come for a visit. Throw down a towel on a bed or other firm, stable surface and add one of these liners and you’re ready to go.

Additional Information

Age range All ages

A Multipurpose Mat

Gathre Easy Clean High Chair & Play Mat - Stone Stripe

$69.00

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$69.00

gathre.com

$69.00

What Our Experts Say

This Gathre Mini Play Mat may look basic, but you’ll find so many uses for it. Want to create a spot for baby to play? Put this soft leather mat down on a carpet and add some toys. Need a place for a quick diaper change? The mat is wipeable and water-resistant, so you can place it on the floor and change a diaper without worrying about stains or a mess. It even works as a splat mat under a high chair or outdoors on the lawn at the park or in the sand at the beach. When you’re done, simply shake it off or wipe it down with a paper towel or wet rag.

What Grandparents Need to Know

When you’re shopping for grandparent-friendly baby gear, look for multifunction items like this one. Could you buy a separate playmat, splat mat and outdoor blanket? You could, but this versatile mat does all that and more—and will take up much less room in your house.

Additional Information

Age range All ages

Feeding

Support for Feeding—and More

Boppy Boppy x Babylist Nursing Pillow Original Support - Sand Stick And Twig

$44.99

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$44.99

What Our Experts Say

Some of your favorite moments as a grandparent may be feeding and snuggling your grandbaby. This pillow makes both of those things a lot easier. It helps support the baby so they’re in the right position for bottle feeding. It’s also perfect if your arms get tired or if you need any other type of support while you’re holding your new addition. The cotton slipcover comes off for easy washing, and the pillow itself is machine washable, too.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Although the Boppy is technically considered a “feeding pillow,” it’s a lot more than that. You can use it throughout baby’s first year for many other things like propping (around three months), tummy time (around six months) and supported sitting (around nine months). Just remember to always supervise baby while they’re using the Boppy and never use it for sleep or in any sleeping space like a bassinet or crib.

Additional Information

Age range Ages 0-12 mos

A Seat at the Table

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat - Grey

$34.99

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fisher-price.com

$34.99

Walmart

$42.99

Target

$42.99

Amazon

$45.43

What Our Experts Say

Looking forward to adding an extra seat at the table? It may feel like eating a meal with your grandchild is a long way off, but most babies start solid foods around six months old, so you’ll need a place for them to sit before you know it. You can purchase a full-size high chair if you have the space, but we recommend opting for this booster seat instead. It’s under $50 and straps onto almost any type of chair. The smooth plastic seat is a breeze to clean (no tiny crevices where food can get stuck here!) and there are three height adjustments to fit almost any table. You can use the included tray for younger babies, then remove it and use the seat as a booster right at the table once your grandchild gets a little older.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Some grandparents have room for a full-size high chair or simply prefer one if they know their grandchild will be eating at their house regularly. If that sounds like you, we still recommend a high chair that’s lightweight and easy to fold so you can move it around or out of the way when you’re not using it. The Best High Chairs for Small Spaces guide has lots of good suggestions.

Additional Information

Age range 4-24 mos; max child weight 50 lbs

Baby’s First Tableware

AEIOU Future Foodie Gift Set - Sage

$54.00

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$54.00

What Our Experts Say

This one-and-done tableware set has everything you need for your grandchild once they’re ready for solids. It includes a suction bowl with a lid, a bib, two infant spoons, a straw cup and a suction divided plate. It’s all made from 100% food-grade silicone and is top-rack dishwasher safe.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Odds are that when you were raising your children you started solids by spoon-feeding them purées. Lots of parents still do this, but there’s a new kid in town: baby-led weaning. This feeding method skips purées and spoon-feeding and lets baby self-feed finger foods right from the start. As the time approaches, you may want to talk with your children about how they’re planning to start solids so you can learn more and support them.

Additional Information

Age range 4+ mos

For Keeping Clean

Bumkins SuperBib (3-Pack) - Sunshine, Wander, And Grounded

$18.95

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$18.95

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$18.95

Target

$18.99

What Our Experts Say

Most parents pack bibs in their diaper bag when they know they’re going to be eating away from home, but since they’re affordable and don’t take up much space, we recommend also keeping a stash at your house. These bibs from Bumkins are some of our favorites. They’re easy to get on and off and feature a large pocket to catch spills. Most importantly, they’re made from a unique fabric that’s wipeable, machine washable and resistant to stains and odors.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Bibs are made from all types of materials including cotton, silicone, polyester and more. While cloth bibs work well for the early days, once your grandchild is eating solids regularly, you’ll want to move onto a waterproof bib like the one above.

Additional Information

Age range 6-24 mos

Health and Safety

First Aid

Babylist Baby First Aid & Grooming Kit

$59.99

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$59.99

What Our Experts Say

Keeping your medicine cabinet stocked with some basic health and first aid products is generally a good idea, but it’s even more critical when there’s a baby in the picture. This kit was curated by emergency room doctors and parents and is filled with hospital-grade supplies and soothing items for baby’s first year and beyond. It stands out from other first aid kits for two reasons: the items are full-size (think things like gauze, chest and foot rub, alcohol pads, a rectal thermometer, nail scissors and more) and it includes step-by-step guidance on how to use them plus when to level up and call the doctor, 9-1-1 or head to the ER.

What Grandparents Need to Know

Just as parents-to-be should make sure they learn basic first aid and infant care before their baby arrives, grandparents should, too. Good news: you can take these types of courses right from the comfort of your family room. Things like infant CPR courses and general baby care are all available online. It’s also important to read up on medication safety guidelines for babies and the most up-to-date rules on safe sleep.

Additional Information

Age range All ages

A Cozy (and Portable) Spot for Bathtime

Boon PUFF+ Inflatable Baby Bather - Gray

$32.99

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$32.99

Target

$32.99

What Our Experts Say

This baby bath from Boon is ideal for grandparents’ houses thanks to its portability and functionality. You can use it in the sink or your adult tub, and it’s designed to cradle and support baby comfortably during bathtime. (There are even swaddle wings built right in that you can wrap around your grandchild to keep them extra warm.) It’s also inflatable; it quickly inflates and deflates in seconds so you can store it in a closet or under the bathroom sink.

What Grandparents Need to Know

If kneeling to bathe your grandchild in the regular tub is going to wreak havoc on your back and knees, look for a baby bathtub like the one above that can be used in a sink instead. (Just make sure to measure your sink and the dimensions of the baby tub first.) Another option is a freestanding basin-style bathtub that you can place on a counter. They’re bulkier and harder to store, but don’t require you to bend over during bathtime. The Skip Hop Moby and Lalo’s The Bath Tub are two favorites.

Additional Information

Age range Max weight 20 lbs

Play and Activity

A Sensory Toy

Sassy Sensory Activity Panels

$17.99

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$17.99

Amazon

$13.96

dimplesbaby.com

$20.99

What Our Experts Say

Keeping a small basket of toys at your house will make playing with your grandchild even more fun. These sensory panels are packed with features to stimulate the senses of both newborns and older babies. Each panel has two different sides and includes things like black and white patterns and tactile elements like crinkles and peek-a-boo.

What Grandparents Need to Know

As you remember from raising your own children, babies learn through play. Choosing toys that line up with your grandchild’s age and developmental milestones can help their brains, bodies and social and emotional skills. Get a quick refresher on baby milestones for the first six months and how to encourage them through play in our Best Toys for Babies 0-6 Months guide.

Additional Information

Age range Newborn+

A Play Gym

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym - Pink

$41.99

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$41.99

Amazon

$42.70

What Our Experts Say

And speaking of play—this piano gym from Fisher-Price is a favorite. It’s packed with songs, sounds and words to engage all of baby’s senses. There are four ways to play (lay and play, tummy time, sit and play and take along) and it grows with baby, two features we love as they mean it’s a toy that will stick around for the long haul. And it’s quick and easy to assemble (and disassemble) so you can tuck it under a bed or in a closet when your visit is over.

What Grandparents Need to Know

There are lots of other options for play gyms and activity centers that you may want to consider for your home, depending on space and how much you want to spend. Another favorite is Skip Hop’s Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Center. Babies can start using it around four months old, and it eventually converts into a play table once your grandchild gets a bit older.

Additional Information

Age range 0-36 mos

A Note About Car Seats

If you’re planning on being a regular caregiver for your grandchild or know there will be times when you’ll be driving them in your car, you’ll need a car seat. Here’s what you need to know.

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